We really enjoy brainstorming and explaining how software can deliver specific value to a customer. The list of generic features below is one way to start discussing possibilities and understand the scope of a project without asking for proprietary details. Which features are essential to you? Which are desirable? (Your use of this brainstorming page is private and is not monitored. Nothing is submitted. Contact us when you are ready to tell us about your project.)
Graphical Configuration
Show product images to help orient and visually confirm selections.
Options for Success
Show valid options for configured products based on incremental selections. Suggest alternatives in the rare case a product limit is exceeded.
Smart catalog
Search and select products by category, product line, features, and cross-product compatibility. Visually confirm selections.
New Product Highlights
Direct attention to new products and options.
Upselling
Suggest advanced solutions for unique installations.
Sales Channels
Vary currencies, standard discounts, products by customer type.
Promotional Discounts
Calculate time-expiring discounts, product combination discounts, sales channel discounts.
Language Localization
Translate software menus, options, product names, on-screen help text, numeric decimal point.
Self-Serve Quotes
Eliminate delays and drastically reduce quote handling.
Custom reports with branding
Provide print and PDF report with installer's logo and name, custom design fees, installation fees.
Automatic-update
Automatic software installation and update
Line Art and Images
Engineering drawings, replacement part diagrams, product images.
Graphical Configuration
Show product images to help orient and visually confirm selections.
Options for Success
Show valid options for configured products based on incremental selections. Suggest alternatives in the rare case a product limit is exceeded.
Check Incomplete Order
Ensure the customer has included everything needed for a complete installation.
Check Mismatched Styles
Warn when there is a mix of product styles, colors, materials.
Product Rule Checking
Eliminate incompatibilities and stay within product design limits specified by engineers.
Data Import and Export
Interoperate with other software using XLS, CSV, XML file formats. Read and write tabular data.
Performance Calculator
Calculate dimensions, operational battery life, power draw, etc.
Upselling
Suggest advanced solutions for unique installations.
Adapt for Country and Territory
Offer products according to regulatory limits, markets. Adjust Shipping and Handling calculations.
Sales Channels
Vary currencies, standard discounts, products by customer type.
Promotional Discounts
Calculate time-expiring discounts, product combination discounts, sales channel discounts.
Language Localization
Translate software menus, options, product names, on-screen help text, numeric decimal point.
Self-Serve Quotes
Eliminate delays and drastically reduce quote handling.
Lead-time Estimates
Factor in special orders, custom paint lead time, stocking status, etc.
Smart catalog
Search and select products by category, product line, features, and cross-product compatibility. Visually confirm selections.
Technical Notes
Publish explanations and specifications of product features and details.
New Product Highlights
Direct attention to new products and options.
Sales Channels
Vary currencies, standard discounts, products by customer type.
Promotional Discounts
Calculate time-expiring discounts, product combination discounts, sales channel discounts.
Language Localization
Translate software menus, options, product names, on-screen help text, numeric decimal point.
Special Notices
Deliver reminders and special notices to software users.
Custom reports with branding
Provide print and PDF report with installer's logo and name, custom design fees, installation fees.
Custom Spec packages
Generate architectural spec submittal and product documentation based on actual Bill of Materials.
Line Art and Images
Engineering drawings, replacement part diagrams, product images.
Centralized Usage Statistics
Collect data to support forecasting, future planning, market characterization.
Adapt for Country and Territory
Offer products according to regulatory limits, markets. Adjust Shipping and Handling calculations.
Remote Diagnostic Support
Collect Windows registry and DLL snapshot, installation log, error log to resolve computer configuration problems.
Offline Operation
Work without internet connection. Synchronize local copies, Store and Forward when back online.
New Product Highlights
Direct attention to new products and options.
Centralized Usage Statistics
Collect data to support forecasting, future planning, market characterization.
Special Notices
Deliver reminders and special notices to software users.
Self-Serve Quotes
Eliminate delays and drastically reduce quote handling.
Remote Diagnostic Support
Collect Windows registry and DLL snapshot, installation log, error log to resolve computer configuration problems.
Offline Operation
Work without internet connection. Synchronize local copies, Store and Forward when back online.
Secure Electronic Ordering
Transmit to OEM for review or submit direct to factory floor.
WWW/HTTP/HTTPS
Transfer data securely between desktop, mobile, and servers.
Options for Success
Show valid options for configured products based on incremental selections. Suggest alternatives in the rare case a product limit is exceeded.
Check Incomplete Order
Ensure the customer has included everything needed for a complete installation.
Check Mismatched Styles
Warn when there is a mix of product styles, colors, materials.
Product Rule Checking
Eliminate incompatibilities and stay within product design limits specified by engineers.
Technical Notes
Publish explanations and specifications of product features and details.
Performance Calculator
Calculate dimensions, operational battery life, power draw, etc.
Upselling
Suggest advanced solutions for unique installations.
Adapt for Country and Territory
Offer products according to regulatory limits, markets. Adjust Shipping and Handling calculations.
Sales Channels
Vary currencies, standard discounts, products by customer type.
Promotional Discounts
Calculate time-expiring discounts, product combination discounts, sales channel discounts.
Self-Serve Quotes
Eliminate delays and drastically reduce quote handling.
Lead-time Estimates
Factor in special orders, custom paint lead time, stocking status, etc.
C/C++
In certain situations, C/C++ remains an appropriate choice for kernels, high-performance software, and embedded systems. Also for extending the life of existing software investment.
Javascript
Best choice for browsers. Ubiquitous and easy to learn for small projects. Larger projects require extra discipline. Can be used for servers.
C#
C# is the most popular and best choice for new Windows desktop software. Can be used in other circumstances.
Server-Side Languages
Good server-side languages include PHP, Perl, Shell, NodeJS, SQL.
Legacy and Other Languages
Preserve investments by maintaining and transforming existing software. Basic, Visual Basic, Forth, assembly, FORTRAN, Perl, etc.
Developer Stack
IDE, test frameworks, VisualStudio, Jira, Confluence, BitBucket, Git, compilers, gcc, clang.
